I watched a rerun of this program and was shaken by Robin's experience with her father's behavior towards his family. She hit home when she said as a child she became tired of living the life of "UNCERTAINTY." I could not control the tears that rolled down my face when she said those words. Although my father was not a Gambler, he was an ALCHOLIC, who when on his drinking rampage would walk down the streets of our neighborhood stripping off all his clothes until he was NAKED.. Yes NAKED!.... I was 10 when this all started and all I remember feeling is how I wanted to DIE inside. I wanted someone or just some family to adopt me and just take me away from this horrific way of life. I was so ashamed to go to school for everyone knew who my father was and what he did. This behavior of his continued through my teenage years and my young adult life until I finally got married at 22 in 1972 and left home. I don't remember friends ever wanting to sleep over my house or having parties because I was so ashamed and afraid that he would strip in front of my friends as a joke to himself and a nightmare to me.
So, when Robin said she had made the decision that her life would be different. I knew exactly what and where she was coming from. Unless you've lived a life with no security, you would never truly understand exactly what Robin meant.
Unfortunately for me, my life has changed and has resurfaced to hardships that bring me back to that time of living in UNCERTAINTY. I'm an empty nester and a divorced widow now caring for my aging mother of 83. I continuously live in fear of everything as my life is lived alone and afraid of what tomorrow holds for me. I ive in fear of my health, unpaid debts, and work. Everyday again and again and again I wake up so afraid to face the day.
Robin, you are very blessed to have found and still have your security. And, I'm not talking about Money and/or Fame. I'm talking about having your significant other right by your side to lean on and protect you. Someone that you know will 200% never fail you. Your blessings are profoundly beautiful. I know you understand exactly what I mean.
Thank you for that episode of reality. I hope it has opened the eyes of others who take life for granted and not realize who in just one day your life can change.
I'm a huge fan of you and your husband Dr. Phil. I could only hope to someday meet you in person.
May God continue to bless you and your beautiful family.
Sincerely,
Carmen Aponte
The Colony, TX
(Original Air Date: 12/05/06) Dr. Phil and Robin answer viewer questions! Melissa wrote in because her boyfriend, Destin, believes gambling is his right because he’s the man of the house. But Destin’s hobby caused them to lose their home, and Melissa fears that their son will grow up without basic necessities. Robin shares her own personal experience with a father who had a gambling problem and offers hope for this family’s future. Then, meet a couple at odds over whether giving their children “kiddie cocktails” will promote underage drinking and glorify alcoholic behavior. Plus, a young woman who thinks affection is “gross,” a woman who needs more romance, and a special surprise for an inspirational woman devoted to changing the lives of young burn victims. Join the discussion!
